No Plans To Expand Shenzhen Health Subsidy Scheme: Lo

Health Secretary Lo Chung-mau said on Wednesday that the government has no plans so far to expand a planned pilot scheme that will provide subsidized healthcare in Shenzhen for Hongkongers who live across the border.

From May 10, eligible Hongkongers can get 2,000 yuan to seek follow-up treatment at general out-patient and specialist clinics of the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZU).

Some NGOs and lawmakers have called for the scheme to be expanded to other hospitals in Guangdong, to make the service more accessible for Hong Kong people.

But speaking at a Legco panel meeting, Lo said the government has to take into account a number of factors.

"We have to ensure the quality of medical services and the prudent use of public funds," he said, adding that authorities here will assess the effectiveness and demand for the service at HKU-SZU.

The minister also reassured patients that the drugs given out at HKU-SZU are similar to the ones used in the SAR.

"The drugs prescribed in the HKU-Shenzhen hospital are largely the same as those used in Hong Kong. It's just the difference in brand name and packaging," he stressed.